In two-plus decades, Vikings receivers coach George Stewart has earned a reputation for developing talented players, most notably Terrell Owens.

This offseason, Stewart has appreciated an assist from veteran receiver Greg Jennings in shaping an otherwise young unit.

"There are times he will get up in the meeting and sit next to (Cordarrelle) Patterson, then sit next to (Jarius) Wright or a young free agent," Stewart says. "And he's not doing it for show. He's doing it because he cares."

Joe Webb, a quarterback transitioning to receiver, often asks Jennings for input when he runs a route.

"I ask him all the time," Webb says. " 'Hey, Greg, what did you think about that?' "

The speedy Wright says Jennings has challenged him to vary the speed in which he runs routes to fool opposing defenders.

"One thing Greg has taught me is to slow down and be patient with my route running," Wright says. "I don't always have to do it quick and use my speed all the time."

The Vikings, though, didn't sign Jennings to a five-year deal that included $17.8 million in guarantees to coach. The club prioritized him because Jennings is a two-time Pro Bowl selection, a receiver who topped 1,100 yards in three consecutive seasons and asserted himself as Aaron Rodgers' top target during his seven seasons in Green Bay.

Jennings turns 30 in a month, he's missed 11 games the past two seasons because of injuries, and he has all of one catch for 5 yards through two preseason games.

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But the Vikings have been impressed with his play during training camp and his leadership in the receivers' room, though Jennings readily admits he has a vested interest in seeing his young teammates develop quickly.

"I've been around the block for eight years now, so I have some experience. It's a young team, a young group I'm working with," Jennings says. "The faster I get those guys up to speed ..."

Jennings didn't finish the thought, instead highlighting the potential of young players like Patterson, Wright and Stephen as well as veteran Jerome Simpson.

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Greg Jennings during warmups prior to the start of the preseason game against the Houston Texans on August 9, 2013. (Pioneer Press: Sherri LaRose-Chiglo)

But Jennings says he feels obligated to help teammates because he benefited from that after the Packers took him in the second round of the 2006 NFL draft.

Jennings primarily credited Robert Ferguson, who played for the Vikings in 2007 and 2008, for guiding him early on.

"He was hands-on," Jennings recalled.

In addition, Jennings credited Donald Driver for imparting on him the wisdom he has passed along to Wright.

"The one thing (Driver) shared with me when I was younger is the speed thing," Jennings says. "And as a guy in the slot, you understand that. You have to see what's going on and how the defense is developing.

"In the slot, you have to read the entire defense."

Jennings says he has stressed to Patterson, for instance, that running routes at a "controlled fast speed" will be a huge help.

"It makes you a better receiver because you can create more separation, but it also makes you appear more open to your quarterback," Jennings says.

As Jennings approaches 30, it's natural to question whether he has lost a step.

Stewart insisted that's not the case.

"What I've seen from Jennings is a guy who isn't an aging veteran. He still has juice," Stewart says.

Vikings coach Leslie Frazier has been encouraged by what he's seen from Jennings.

"He's still got that burst, he's still got that ability to make plays after the catch, and he's still got great hands," Frazier says. "We're looking forward to him making some of those plays for us."

Frazier, a former cornerback, adds that Jennings remains an elite route-runner.

"You don't have to be a blazer because he knows how to run routes, knows how to set DBs up, and he understands different coverages," Frazier said. "That's a big asset of his."

Jennings takes pride in his route-running, pointing to a few notable players who excelled with that skill.

"One person who I admired for years was Hines Ward," Jennings says. "He just knew how to get open. At the tight end position, I look at (Tony) Gonzalez or (Jason) Witten. They're not fast, but they know how to use their bodies and they know how to get open.

"It's not so much about speed all the time. I played against Charles Woodson every day. He lost a step, but he said, 'Now, I have to be a lot smarter.' "

Such wisdom was needed, Frazier says.

"With a young room like ours, to have a guy who has had success in our league -- to watch how he practices and studies tape and takes notes -- has to help our young receivers," Frazier said. "We needed that type of veteran leadership as well as production."

Jennings is a two-time Pro Bowl selection, and his Super Bowl ring gives him even more credibility among the receivers.

"Greg is a great guy, and I'm glad he came over," Webb says. "He's a great weapon on the field, and a great person off the field. I'm learning a lot from him."